While we are still a year away from actually competing in the remade Pac Conference, let’s take a look at how things are stacking up for the teams through three weeks of this season.
Last year, Boise State’s magical playoff run with Ashton Jeanty leading the way, paired with a strong start for our John Mateer–led Cougs, gave the conference a lot of credibility. At this point, though, no team has emerged as head and shoulders above the rest. It’s possible there may not even be a candidate for the top 25 after Boise was embarrassed in South Florida to start the year.
But enough lead-up—here’s where I would rank the teams as of today:
#1: Boise State (1–1) | #48 PFF Ranking | #61 RPI
With only two results, it’s hard to know what this team really is. They opened with a 34–7 loss at South Florida, which looked terrible on paper. However, it may have been more fluky than reflective of Boise’s ability. They actually outgained USF, had 10 more first downs, but were crushed by turnovers (three lost fumbles and four failed fourth downs). For what it’s worth, USF went into The Swamp and beat a Florida team expected to be strong. Boise’s big test comes October 4 at Notre Dame.
#2: Texas State (2–1) | #47 PFF Ranking | #71 RPI
A nice win at UTSA, who nearly upset Texas A&M in College Station, is their only real measuring stick. A 34–15 loss at Arizona State last week showed Texas State isn’t quite ready to compete with established Power Five schools. That said, if ASU proves to be a playoff-caliber team again, the loss won’t look as bad in hindsight.
#3: Washington State (2–1) | #72 PFF Ranking | #114 RPI
This ranking says more about uncertainty and disappointing starts elsewhere than about WSU being dominant. Like Boise, WSU was buried by turnovers in its loss—five in the first half at North Texas. Despite trailing just eight yards in total offense at halftime, those turnovers turned it into a blowout. The Cougars could have a higher ceiling if Zevi Eckhaus takes over at quarterback. This week’s Apple Cup against UW will be a strong measuring stick.
#4: Colorado State (1–1) | #80 PFF Ranking | #92 RPI
With only two games played, there isn’t much to judge yet. A scare against Northern Colorado doesn’t inspire confidence, but they were tied with Washington in the third quarter, which keeps them in this spot. Ultimately, UW dominated statistically and down the stretch, so CSU remains hard to evaluate. Common-opponent matchups this weekend (UTSA vs. CSU, UW vs. WSU) will provide more clarity.
#5: Utah State (2–1) | #88 PFF Ranking | #83 RPI
The Aggies earned a nice win over Air Force last weekend, and they opened with a solid showing against pesky UTEP, who later had Texas fans booing their offense. This ranking might be too low for Utah State. A road trip to Vanderbilt in two weeks, after Vandy demolished South Carolina, will tell us a lot more.
#6: Fresno State (3–1) | #76 PFF Ranking | #75 RPI
The highlight so far was escaping with a last-minute win at Oregon State, trailing until just 34 seconds remained. Their opener was less inspiring, producing only 216 yards of offense against Jalon Daniels’ Kansas squad. This week’s matchup with 3–1 Hawaii could be revealing, though Fresno’s overall schedule is fairly manageable.
#7: Oregon State (0–3) | #102 PFF Ranking | #102 RPI
Trent Bray’s Beavers hoped to snag one of their first two games at home against Cal or Fresno, but came up short. Now with trips to Autzen and a home date against 3–0 Houston (coming off a bye), things won’t get easier until October.
#8: San Diego State (1–1) | #109 PFF Ranking | #118 RPI
After watching North Texas move the ball at will against WSU, concerns remain about SDSU’s offense, which managed just 10 first downs in Pullman. Hopefully, the bye week gave them time to regroup, but it could be a long season for the Aztecs. Then again—they do still live in San Diego.